On Feb 9, 2013, more than 200 students, faculty, staff and members of the community will dance, move and jump for 25 hours straight at FIU’s 16th annual Dance Marathon (DM). The fundraiser aims to raise $70,000 for Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation through the Children’s Miracle Network.

Since 1997, FIU’s Dance Marathon has raised more than 1 million dollars that has been used to provide comfort, treatment and hope to millions of children afflicted with illness.

“We are proud of the efforts our students put into this annual event, which has become the largest fundraiser for Miami Children’s Hospital,” said Larry Lunsford, interim vice president for Student Affairs. “Each year gets bigger and better, and we appreciate the efforts of the many students and advisors who spend a year planning it.”

The event takes place at FIU’s Recreation Center at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus, and will begin at noon on Feb. 9 and end the next day at 1 p.m. FIU and DM invite everyone to join these students and members of Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation staff in making a difference.

Among the weekend’s entertainment are the hip-hop group Tokyo Love Bots, as well as a number of DJs, belly dancers and Zumba instructors. There will also be bounce houses, games, moonwalks, slides and a nighttime “Lights Out” dance party for all to enjoy.